As we wrap up the first week of the new year, we’re taking a look back at the incredible Opening Season we had at Waterloo Park in 2021!
Since Waterloo Park reopened to the public on August 14, 2021, we’ve welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests to explore the 11-acre greenspace and engage in a diverse lineup of free community programs.
In our first four months of operating, we produced a variety of extraordinary events that showcased over a hundred local artists, created educational opportunities for children, provided economic opportunities for dozens of local businesses and vendors, and encouraged outdoor recreation through health and wellness activities.
At Waterloo Greenway, we’re committed to reaching our environmental goals and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces and experiences that bring our community closer to nature, art, culture, and one another.
We’re beyond grateful to the thousands of members of our community and our Opening Season Partners who provided critical financial support that allowed us to enliven Waterloo Park with free family-friendly events for all of Austin to enjoy in 2021.
Waterloo Park’s Opening Season was made possible by our partners at Tito’s Handmade Vodka, PNC Bank, HPI, St. David’s Foundation, Texas Gas Service, and many others.
We look forward to creating more memories with you in 2022!
2021 Event Highlights
Waterloo Park Opening Day
August 14, 2021
Thank you to everyone in the community who came out to celebrate the reopening of Waterloo Park on Saturday, August 14, 2021. It was a momentous occasion for Waterloo Greenway and Austin, one that would not have been possible without the immense support of countless individuals who have helped bring our mission and vision to fruition.
“It was fantastic to see hundreds of folks exploring Waterloo Park on opening day. People were truly embracing all that this new public greenspace has to offer — resting and picnicking under live oak shade trees, children laughing, climbing, and sliding in the playscape, bikes cruising the skywalk trail, and people enjoying the Moody Amphitheater stage,” said Waterloo Greenway Interim CEO Kathy Miller. “We were pleased to see how delighted Austinites were to discover this newly restored natural oasis in the heart of downtown Austin. It’s wonderful to see Waterloo Park come to life again.”
Sunday Funday
September 26, 2021
Sunday Funday at Waterloo Park invited our community to participate in a variety of free, family-friendly activities including:
- Pawty in the Park hosted by Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen + Bath
- Recess with Castle Hill Fitness
- An open cypher (dance jam) with Hope 4 Hip Hop featuring local Bboy & Bgirl students and special guest performers from around the world
- Capoeira class with Everybody Studios
- Tango & Salsa Dance Class & Party with Esquina Tango
- Live & Local at the Lebermann: a live music showcase produced in partnership with the Austin Music Foundation.
- Young Writers Workshop with Summer Nilsson, author of children’s book The Land of the Pines
Celebrating Día De Los Muertos at Waterloo Park
October 31, 2021
On Sunday, October 31, 2021, Austinites joined Waterloo Greenway and Frida Friday ATX for an unforgettable Día De Los Muertos celebration at Waterloo Park, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and PNC Bank!
The free community celebration kicked off with a vibrant, traditional dance by Danza Azteca Guadalupana de Austin that welcomed park guests and invited departed loved ones to join in the day’s festivities.
Visitors explored Frida Friday ATX’s signature outdoor marketplace featuring dozens of local artists and vendors scattered throughout the Love, Tito’s Lawn at Moody Amphitheater. Parkgoers also enjoyed electrifying performances by DJ Chorizo Funk, Mariachi Las Coronelas, La Murga de Austin, Ballet Folklorico de Austin, Tiarra Girls, Los TexManiacs, and DJ Zetroc!
Creek Show
November 7-17, 2021
From November 12-21, 2021, Waterloo Park welcomed thousands of Austinites to explore our 7th Annual Creek Show! Throughout the free, 10-night event, visitors of all ages enjoyed five immersive displays of light-based art, live music by 25 local performers, and a variety of family-friendly activities at the newly renovated Waterloo Park.
“The first Creek Show since the opening of Waterloo Park exceeded all expectations. Creek Show 2021 brought tens of thousands of Austinites and visitors into the park for the first time to celebrate local artists and designers whose work highlighted the cultural and environmental features of this brand new downtown public greenspace,” said Waterloo Greenway Interim CEO Kathy Miller.
